Display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first common electrode and a second common electrode arranged in a first direction, a first switch unit selectively supplying a first drive signal or a second drive signal different from the first drive signal to the first common electrode, and a second switch unit selectively supplying the first drive signal or the second drive signal to the second common electrode, wherein the second common electrode and the first switch unit are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first switch unit comprises a first switch circuit and a second switch circuit arranged in the second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-077525, filed Apr. 10, 2017, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

A display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an organicelectroluminescent display device comprises a display area in whichpixels are aligned and a peripheral area surrounding the display area,and peripheral circuit driving the pixels are disposed in the peripheralarea.

Recently, technologies for narrowing a frame of the display device havebeen variously reviewed. To implement narrowing the frame of the displaydevice, the layout of the peripheral circuits needs to be formedefficiently and the area of the peripheral area needs to be smaller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice according to one of embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the displaydevice concerning a touch detection function.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel seen along lineIII-III in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of peripheralcircuits near a corner of the display area.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the commonelectrodes CE shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch unit 61.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch unit 62.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch circuit.

FIG. 9 is a plan view for explanation of the common electrodes at thepositions close to the corner C31 and their peripheral structure.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing area P1 shown in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing area P2 shown in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing first substrate SUB1 seenalong line A-B in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing area P3 shown in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing layout of switch circuit 611 shown in FIG.8 .

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of the switch unit.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing switch unit 61B shown in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic layout of the switch unit 61Bshown in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged view showing switch SW11 shown in FIG.17 .

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view seen along line A-A in FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view seen along line B-B in FIG. 18 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a display device includes: afirst common electrode and a second common electrode arranged in a firstdirection; a first switch unit selectively supplying a first drivesignal or a second drive signal different from the first drive signal tothe first common electrode; and a second switch unit selectivelysupplying the first drive signal or the second drive signal to thesecond common electrode, wherein the second common electrode and thefirst switch unit are arranged in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction, the first switch unit comprises a first switch circuitand a second switch circuit arranged in the second direction.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and properchanges in keeping with the spirit of the invention, which are easilyconceivable by a person of ordinary skill in the art, come within thescope of the invention as a matter of course. To more clarify theexplanations, the drawings may pictorially show width, thickness, shapeand the like of each portion as compared with actual embodiments, butthey are mere examples and do not restrict the interpretation of theinvention. Furthermore, in the description and Figures of the presentapplication, structural elements having the same or similar functionswill be referred to by the same reference numbers and detailedexplanations of them that are considered redundant may be omitted.

In the embodiments, a liquid crystal display device comprising a touchdetection function will be described as an example of the displaydevice. The liquid crystal display device can be used for, for example,various devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobiletelephone terminal, a notebook computer, a TV receiver, avehicle-mounted device, and a game console. The major configurationexplained in the embodiments can also be applied to a self-luminousdisplay device such as an organic electroluminescent display element,and the like, an electronic paper-type display device comprising anelectrophoretic element, and the like, a display device employingmicro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), or a display device employingelectrochromism. In addition, a configuration concerning the imagedisplay disclosed in the embodiments can also be applied to a displaydevice which does not comprise a touch detection function.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice DSP according to the embodiments. In the drawing, a firstdirection X and a second direction Y intersect each other, and a thirddirection Z intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y.For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and thethird direction Z are orthogonal to each other but may intersect at anangle other than 90 degrees. In the present specification, a position ofa distal side of arrow indicating the third direction Z is called anupper position (or merely above), while a position of a side opposite tothe distal end of the arrow is called a lower position (or merelybelow).

The display device DSP comprises a display panel PNL, a wiring substrateF, and a controller CT. The display panel PNL comprises a firstsubstrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LCdisposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2(for more details, see FIG. 3 ). Furthermore, the display panel PNLcomprises a display area DA on which an image is displayed and aframe-shaped peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA.

The display panel PNL includes an edge E1, an edge E2 located on a sideof the display area DA which is opposed to the edge E1, an edge E3, andedges E4 and E5 located on sides of the display area DA which areopposed to the edge E3. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the edgesE1, E2, and E5 extend in the first direction X, and the edges E3 and E4extend in the second direction Y. At each of the edges E2, E3, and E4,edges of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 overlap.The edge E1 corresponds to the edge of the first substrate SUB1. Theedge E5 corresponds to the edge of the second substrate SUB2. The edgeE5 is located on a side closer to the display area DA than to the edgeE1. The display panel PNL includes a non-opposition area NA (or aterminal area) where the first substrate SUB1 is not opposed to thesecond substrate SUB2 between the edges E1 and E5.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a corner portion C11 between the edgeE1 and the edge E3, a corner portion C12 between the edge E1 and theedge E4, a corner portion C13 between the edge E2 and the edge E3, and acorner portion C14 between the edge E2 and the edge E4. The secondsubstrate SUB2 includes a corner portion C21 between the edge E5 and theedge E3, which is located near the corner portion C11, a corner portionC22 between the edge E5 and the edge E4, which is located near thecorner portion C12, a corner portion C23 which overlaps the cornerportion C13, and a corner portion C24 which overlaps the corner portionC14. The display area DA includes a corner portion C31 located near thecorner portion C11, a corner portion C32 located near the corner portionC12, a corner portion C33 located near the corner portion C13, and acorner portion C34 located near the corner portion C14. Aone-dot-chained line in the figure corresponds to the edge of thedisplay area DA, and this edge includes the corner portions C31 to C34.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the corner portions C11 to C14 ofthe first substrate SUB1, the corner portions C21 to C24 of the secondsubstrate SUB2, and the corner portions C31 to C34 of the display areaDA are rounded, and are often hereinafter called round portions. Forexample, the corner portions are formed in an arcuate shape, the cornerportions C11 to C14 of the first substrate SUB1 and each of the cornerportions C23 and C24 of the second substrate SUB2 has a first radius ofcurvature, each of the corner portions C21 and C22 of the secondsubstrate SUB2 has a second radius of curvature, and each of the cornerportions C31 to C34 of the display area DA has a third radius ofcurvature. The first to third radii of curvature are different from oneanother and, for example, the first radius of curvature can be set to begreater than the third radius of curvature and the third radius ofcurvature can be set to be greater than the second radius of curvature.However, the relationship among the corner portions C11 to C14, C21 toC24, and C31 to C34 is not limited to this example. In addition, atleast one of the corner portions C11 to C14, C21 to C24, and C31 to C34may not be arcuate, but may be a right angle or polygonal.

The display panel PNL includes scanning lines G and signal lines S inthe display area DA. The scanning lines G extend in the first directionX so as to be arranged in the second direction Y and spaced apart. Thesignal lines S extend in the second direction Y so as to be arranged inthe first direction X and spaced apart.

The display area DA includes pixels PX arrayed in the first direction Xand the second direction Y. The pixels PX correspond to areas surroundedby dotted lines in the figure. Each of the pixels PX includes sub-pixelsSP displaying different colors. For example, the pixel PX includes a redsub-pixel SPR, a green sub-pixel SPG, and a blue sub-pixel SPB. Theconfiguration of the pixel PX is not limited to this, but may furtherinclude, for example, a sub-pixel displaying a white color, or the likeor sub-pixels corresponding to the same color. In the presentdisclosure, the sub-pixel is often simply called a pixel.

Each of the sub-pixels SP comprises a switching element SW, a pixelelectrode PE, and a common electrode CE. For example, the commonelectrode CE is formed to spread across the sub-pixels SP. The switchingelement SW is electrically connected to the scanning line G, the signalline S, and the pixel electrode PE.

The display panel PNL comprises scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2 (firstdrivers) connected to the scanning lines G, and a signal line driver SD(second driver) connected to the signal lines S. The scanning linedriver GD1 is disposed between the display area DA and the edge E3, andthe scanning line driver GD2 is disposed between the display area DA andthe edge E4. The signal line driver SD is disposed between the displayarea DA and the edge E5. Either of the scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2may not be disposed.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the scanning line driver GD1 isprovided in areas curved in an arcuate shape similarly to the cornerportions C31 and C33, at a position close to the corner portions C31 andC33. The scanning line driver GD2 is provided in areas curved in anarcuate shape similarly to the corner portions C32 and C34, at positionsclose to the corner portions C32 and C34. The signal line driver SD isprovided in areas curved in an arcuate shape similarly to the cornerportions C31 and C32, at positions close to the corner portions C31 andC32. The end portion of the signal line driver SD at a position close tothe corner portion C31 is located between the scanning line driver GD1and the display area DA. The end portion of the signal line driver SD ata position close to the corner portion C32 is located between thescanning line driver GD2 and the display area DA.

The scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2 supply scanning signals to thescanning lines G. The signal line driver SD supplies video signals tothe signal lines S. If the scanning signal is supplied to the scanningline G corresponding to a certain switching element SW and the videosignal is supplied to the signal line S connected to this switchingelement SW, a voltage corresponding to this video signal is applied tothe pixel electrode PE. In contrast, a voltage corresponding to a DCcommon signal (first drive signal) is applied to the common electrodeCE. At this time, an alignment state of the liquid crystal moleculescontained in the liquid crystal layer LC is varied in accordance withthe magnitude of an electric field generated between the pixel electrodePE and the common electrode CE. An image is displayed in the displayarea DA by this operation.

A connection terminal T is provided along the edge E1 in thenon-opposition area NA. A wiring substrate F is connected to theconnection terminal T. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the controllerCT is mounted on the wiring substrate F. The controller CT comprises adisplay driver R1 for controlling the scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2and the signal line driver SD, and a detection driver R2 for touchdetection. The manner of mounting the display driver R1 and thedetection driver R2 is not limited to this, but the drivers may bemounted on, for example, the first substrate SUB1. In addition, thedisplay driver R1 and the detection driver R2 may be mounted ondifferent members.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the display device DSP, illustrating aconfiguration example concerning a touch detection function. The displaydevice DSP comprises detection electrodes RX. Each of the detectionelectrodes RX extends in the first direction X and is arranged in thesecond direction Y, in the display area DA. Furthermore, in the exampleshown in FIG. 2 , the common electrodes CE are disposed in the displayarea DA. The common electrodes CE extend in the second direction Y andare arranged in the first direction X.

The common electrode CE has a function of a drive electrode fordetecting an object approaching the display area DA together with thedetection electrode RX in addition to a function of an electrode forimage display. In the embodiments, it is assumed that the commonelectrodes CE are disposed on the first substrate SUB1 and the detectionelectrodes RX are disposed on the second substrate SUB2. However, aconfiguration of providing drive electrodes different from the commonelectrodes CE can also be applied to the display device DSP. Inaddition, arrangement of the detection electrodes RX and the commonelectrodes CE (or drive electrodes) can be variously modified. Forexample, the detection electrodes RX may be arranged in the firstdirection X and the common electrodes CE may be arranged in the seconddirection Y. In addition, the common electrodes CE (or drive electrodes)may be provided on the second substrate SUB2. The detection electrodesRX and drive electrodes different from the common electrodes CE may beprovided on a transparent base disposed on the display surface of thedisplay panel PNL.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first substrate SUB1comprises pads P and leads L1 electrically connecting the pads P to theconnection terminal T, in the peripheral area SA. The detectionelectrodes RX are electrically connected to the pads P via contact holesH. The pads P are electrically connected to the connection terminal Tvia the leads L1. For example, as shown in the figure, the detectionelectrodes RX which are odd-numbered from the edge E2 are connected tothe pads P disposed between the edge E3 and the display area DA, and thedetection electrodes Rx which are even-numbered from the edge E2 areconnected to the pads P disposed between the edge E4 and the displayarea DA.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel PNL seenalong line III-III in FIG. 2 . The first substrate SUB1 includes a firstbase 10 of a glass substrate, a resin substrate or the like, a firstinsulating layer 11, a second insulating film 12, a first alignment film13, and the above-explained common electrodes CE and the pixelelectrodes PE. The first substrate SUB1 also comprises theabove-explained scanning lines G, signal lines S, switching elements SWand the like, but their illustration is omitted in FIG. 3 .

The pads P and the leads L1 are disposed on the first base 10. Aninsulating layer is intervened between the pads P and the first base 10,and between the leads L1 and the first base 10. The first insulatinglayer 11 covers the pads P and the leads L1. The pads P and the leads L1may be located in the same layer or different layers, though notdescribed in detail. In addition, parts of the leads L1 may be locatedin the same layer as the pads P.

The common electrodes CE are disposed on the first insulating layer 11.The second insulating layer 12 covers the common electrodes CE and thefirst insulating layer 11. The pixel electrodes PE are disposed on thesecond insulating layer 12 and opposed to the common electrodes CE viathe second insulating layer 12. The first alignment film 13 covers thepixel electrodes PE and the first insulating layer 12.

The second substrate SUB2 comprises a second base 20 of a glasssubstrate, a resin substrate or the like, a color filter layer 21, and asecond alignment film 22. The color filter layer 21 is disposed belowthe second base 20. The color filter layer 21 includes light-shieldinglayers disposed between the sub-pixels of the display area DA and in theperipheral area SA. The second alignment film 22 covers the color filterlayer 21. The color filter layer 21 may be disposed on the firstsubstrate SUB1.

The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are attached toeach other by a sealing member SL. The liquid crystal layer LQ is sealedin space surrounded by the first alignment film 13, the second alignmentfilm 22, and the sealing member SL.

The detection electrode RX is disposed on the second base 20. Theabove-explained contact hole H penetrates the second base 20, the colorfilter layer 21, the second alignment film 22, the sealing member SL,the first alignment film 13, the second insulating layer 12, and firstinsulating layer 11. The contact hole H may further penetrate the pad P.The contact hole H is, for example, tapered toward the pad P asillustrated in the figure but the shape is not limited to this example.A conductive connecting member C is disposed inside the contact hole H.The detection electrode RX and the pad P are electrically connected viathe connection member C.

The pixel electrodes PE and the common electrodes CE can be formed of,for example, a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide(ITO) or the like. The detection electrodes RX, the pads P, and theleads L1 can be formed of a transparent conductive material or a metalmaterial such as ITO. If the detection electrodes RX are formed of ametal material, for example, an electrode pattern formed by arrangingmetal wires of a single-layer or multi-layer structure in a mesh orwaveform shape.

The cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 3 is a mere example butvarious structures can be applied to the display panel PNL. For example,the common electrodes CE may be disposed between the pixel electrodes PEand the liquid crystal layer LC, disposed in the same layer as the pixelelectrodes PE, or disposed on the second substrate SUB2. In addition,the first alignment film 13, the color filter layer 21 or the secondalignment film 22 may not be disposed at a position of the contact holeH.

In the above configuration, a first capacitance is formed between thedetection electrodes RX and the common electrodes CE. In addition, if anobject such as a user’s finger approaches the display area DA, a secondcapacitance is formed between the object and the detection electrodesRX. The detection driver R2 supplies an alternating drive signal (seconddrive signal) for object detection to the common electrodes CE. At thistime, detection signals are output from the detection electrodes RX tothe detection driver R2 via the first capacitance. The detection signalsare varied in accordance with the presence of the second capacitance orthe magnitude of the second capacitance. Therefore, the detection driverR2 can detect the presence of the object approaching the display area DAand the position of the object in the display area DA, based on thedetection signals.

The detection mode explained here is called, for example,mutual-capacitive mode. However, the object detection mode is notlimited to the mutual-capacitive mode but may be the self-capacitivemode. In the self-capacitive mode, the drive signals are supplied to thedetection electrodes RX and read from the detection electrodes RX, andthe presence of the object approaching the display area DA and theposition of the object in the display area DA, can be detected based onthe detection signals. In addition, in the self-capacitive mode, thedrive signals may be supplied to the common electrodes CE and read fromthe common electrodes CE.

Next, a configuration of peripheral circuit (scanning line drivers GD1and GD2, signal line driver SD, and the like) disposed in the peripheralarea SA will be explained.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the peripheralcircuits at positions close to the corner portions C11, C21, and C31.The scanning line driver GD1 comprises shift register units 30 andbuffer units 40 which are connected to the shift register units 30,respectively, and which are connected to at least one scanning line G.The shift register units 30 constitute shift registers controlling thetiming for sequentially supplying the scan signals to the scanning linesG. Each of the buffer units 40 includes at least one buffer circuit 41.The buffer circuit 41 supplies a scanning signal (scanning voltage) tothe scanning line G under control of the shift register unit 30.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a video line group VG including videolines V, in the peripheral area SA. The video line group VG is disposedalong the signal line driver SD. Video lines V constituting the videoline group VG are electrically connected to the display driver R1 viathe connection terminal T and the wiring substrate F. In the exampleshown in FIG. 4 , the signal line driver SD is disposed between thevideo line group VG and the display area DA. Furthermore, the video linegroup VG extends between the scanning line driver GD1 and the signalline driver SD, in an area where the signal line driver SD is locatedbetween the scanning line driver GD1 and the display area DA.

The signal line driver SD comprises selector units 50. Each of theselector units 50 includes at least one selector circuit 51 (selectorswitch). N video lines V and M signal lines S where M is greater than N(M>N) are connected to the selector circuit 51. For example, N is twoand M is six. The selector circuit 51 changes the signal lines Sconnected to the video lines V in time division. The video signal can bethereby supplied to each of the signal lines S by the video lines Vwhose number is smaller than the number of the signal lines S disposedin the display area DA.

The leads L1 making connection between the detection electrodes RX andthe connection terminal T are disposed along edges of the firstsubstrate SUB1. In other words, the scanning line driver GD1, the signalline driver SD, and the video line group VG are located between theleads L1 and the display area DA. The lead L1 is curved in an arcuateshape similarly to the corner portion C11, at a position close to thecorner portion C11. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , a distance betweenthe lead L1 and the edge of the first substrate SUB1 is constant overthe entire body but may be different partially. For example, thedistance between the lead L1 and the edge of the first substrate SUB1may be increased toward the edge E1, at a position close to the cornerportion C11.

The scanning line driver GD1 and the signal line driver SD are providedin an area curved along the corner portion C31, at a position close tothe corner portion C31 of the display area DA. Therefore, the signalline driver SD at a position close to the corner portion C31 ispartially located on a side (upper side in the figure) closer to theedge E2 than to the an edge EDA1 of the display area DA which is theclosest to the edge E1. In addition, the scanning line driver GD1 at aposition close to the corner portion C31 is located on a side (rightside in the figure) closer to the edge E4 than to the an edge EDA2 ofthe display area DA which is the closest to the edge E3.

The number of the selector circuits 51 included in each of the selectorunits 50 becomes smaller in the selector unit 50 closer to the endportion of the signal line driver SD. The width of the selector unit 50in the first direction X becomes smaller in the selector unit 50 closerto the end portion of the signal line driver SD.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the video line group VG is formed in astep shape in which the portions extending in the first direction X theportions extending in the second direction Y repeat alternately, and oneselector unit 50 is disposed on each step. However, the selector units50 may be disposed on one step. In addition, at least several part ofthe video line group VG may extend in a direction intersecting the firstdirection X and the second direction Y.

For example, explanation will be focused on shift register units 30A,30B, and 30C and buffer units 40A, 40B, and 40C connected to the shiftregister units, of the shift register units 30 and the buffer units 40.The shift register units 30A and 30B are adjacent to each other and theshift register units 30B and 30C are adjacent to each other. Inaddition, the buffer units 40A and 40B are adjacent to each other andthe buffer units 40B and 40C are adjacent to each other.

An interval between the shift register units 30A and 30B in the firstdirection X is defined as dx 11, an interval between the shift registerunits 30B and 30C in the first direction X is defined as dx 12, aninterval between the shift register units 30A and 30B in the seconddirection Y is defined as dy 11, and an interval between the shiftregister units 30B and 30C in the second direction Y is defined as dy12. In this case, the intervals dx 11 and dx 12 are different from eachother in the example shown in FIG. 4 . More specifically, since dx 11 issmaller than dx 12 and the shift register units 30A and 30B are notdisplaced in the first direction X, interval dx 11 is zero. Furthermore,the intervals dy 11 and dyl 2 are different from each other in theexample shown in FIG. 4 . More specifically, dy 11 is smaller than dy12. In the other example, the shift register units 30A, 30B, and 30C maybe disposed such that dx 11 is larger than dx 12 or that dy 11 is largerthan or equal to dy 12.

Similarly to the intervals dx 11 and dx 12, an interval between thebuffer units 40A and 40B in the first direction X is different from aninterval between the buffer units 40B and 40C in the first direction X,in the example shown in FIG. 4 . In addition, similarly to the intervalsdy 11 and dy 12, an interval between the buffer units 40A and 40B in thesecond direction Y is different from an interval between the bufferunits 40B and 40C in the second direction Y. The buffer units 40A, 40B,and 40C are disposed in a step shape such that the intervals to thecorner portion C31 in the first direction X are substantially the sameas one another.

Furthermore, explanation will be focused on, for example, selector units50A, 50B, and 50C, of the selector units 50. The selector units 50A and50B are adjacent to each other and the selector units 50B and 50C areadjacent to each other. The selector units 50A, 50B, and 50C aredisplaced from one another in the first direction X and the seconddirection Y. The selector unit 50A is located on a side closer to theend portion of the signal line driver SD than to the selector unit 50B,and the selector unit 50B is located on a side closer to the end portionof the signal line driver SD than to the selector unit 50C. A width ofthe selector unit 50A in the first direction X is smaller than a widthof the selector unit 50C.

An interval between the selector units 50A and 50B in the firstdirection X is defined as dx 21, an interval between the selector units50B and 50C in the first direction X is defined as dx 22, an intervalbetween the selector units 50A and 50B in the second direction Y isdefined as dy 21, and an interval between the selector units 50B and 50Cin the second direction Y is defined as dy 22. In this case, theintervals dx 21 and dx 22 are different from each other in the exampleshown in FIG. 4 . More specifically, dx 21 is smaller than dx 22. Inaddition, the intervals dy 21 and dy 22 are approximately equal to eachother in the example shown in FIG. 4 . In the other example, theselector units 50A, 50B, and 50C may be disposed such that dx 21 islarger than or equal to dx 22 or that the intervals dy 21 and dy 22 aredifferent from each other. The selector units 50A, 50B, and 50C aredisposed in a step shape such that the intervals to the corner portionC31 in the second direction Y are substantially the same as one another.

Thus, the scanning line driver GD1 of the layout curved in an arcuateshape along the corner portion C31 can be implemented by adjusting theintervals of the shift register units 30 and the buffer units 40 in theX direction and the Y direction, at positions close to the cornerportion C31. Similarly, the signal line driver SD of the layout curvedin an arcuate shape along the corner portion C31 can be implemented byadjusting the intervals of the selector units 50 in the X direction andthe Y direction, at positions close to the corner portion C31.

In the above explanations, each of the intervals (dx 11, dx 12, dx 21,dx 22, and the like) of two adjacent units in the first direction Xcorresponds to an interval between centers of the units in the firstdirection X. In addition, each of the intervals (dy 11, dy 12, dy 21, dy22, and the like) of two adjacent units in the second direction Ycorresponds to an interval between centers of the units in the seconddirection Y.

The configuration of the scanning line driver GD1 at a position close tothe corner portion C33 of the display area DA shown in FIG. 1 is similarto the configuration of the scanning line driver GD1 at a position closeto the corner portion C31. In addition, the configurations of thescanning line driver GD2, the signal line driver SD, and the video linegroup VG, and the leads L1 is similar to their configurations atpositions close to the corner portion C31. Furthermore, theconfiguration of the scanning line driver GD2 at a position close to thecorner portion C34 of the display area DA is similar to theconfiguration of the scanning line driver GD1 at a position close to thecorner portion C33. The configuration of the peripheral area SA at aposition close to the corner portions C31 to C34 is not limited to thisexample, but can be arbitrarily changed by considering the layout of thedisposed circuits and lines.

Next, a concrete configuration example of the common electrodes CE shownin FIG. 2 will be explained with reference to the plan view of FIG. 5 .The members at positions close to the corner portion C31 which is around portion will be explained. Common electrodes CE0, CE1, CE2, CE3,... are arranged in this order in the first direction X and extend inthe second direction Y. In the example illustrated, the commonelectrodes CE0 and CE3 are wider than the common electrodes CE1 and CE2and, for example, a width W0 of the common electrode CE0 in the firstdirection X is approximately double a width W1 of the common electrodeCE1. By employing the common electrodes of the above widths, in a sensorfunction capable of changing the mutual-capacitive mode and theself-capacitive mode, sensor centers in both of the modes can be made tomatch and the unbalance of capacitance in the common electrodes in theself-capacitive mode can be improved, though not explained in detail.

A switch unit 60 is connected to the common electrode CE0, a switch unit61 is connected to the common electrode CE1, switch unit 62 is connectedto the common electrode CE2, and switch unit 63 is connected to thecommon electrode CE3. Each of the switch units 60 to 63 is surrounded bya dotted line in the figure. Each of the switch units 60 to 63selectively supplies a first drive signal or a second drive signal tothe common electrode connected to the switch unit. The second drivesignal is different from the first drive signal. For example, the firstdrive signal is a DC common signal necessary to display an image in thedisplay area DA. The second drive signal is an alternating drive signalnecessary to detect an object.

Each of the common electrodes CE0, CE1, and CE2 comprises an edge shapedin a step shape along the corner portion C31. As explained above, thescanning line driver GD1 is provided in the area curved along the cornerportion C31 and supplies the scanning signal to the scanning line G at aposition close to the edge EDA1, in the display area DA. All of theswitch units are disposed in areas different from the scanning linedriver GD1. For this reason, the common electrode CE0 and the switchunit 60 cannot be arranged in the second direction Y, and the scanningline driver GD1 and the common electrode CE0 are arranged in the seconddirection Y. The common electrode CE1 and the switch unit 60 arearranged in the second direction Y and, similarly, the common electrodeCE2 and the switch unit 61 are arranged in the second direction Y. Inaddition, a part of the switch unit 62 and the common electrode CE2 arearranged in the second direction Y, and the other parts of the switchunit 62 and the common electrode CE3 are arranged in the seconddirection Y. Most parts of the switch unit 63 and the common electrodeCE3 are arranged in the second direction Y.

Explanation will be focused on the switch units 61 and 62. The switchunit 61 comprises switch circuits 611, 612, ... arranged in the seconddirection Y. The switch unit 62 comprises switch circuits 621, 622, ...arranged in the first direction X. In the switch unit 62, the switchcircuits 621 to 623 and the common electrode CE2 are arranged in thesecond direction Y. The switch circuits 624 and 625 and the commonelectrode CE3 are arranged in the second direction Y. The configurationsand the functions of the switch circuits are substantially the same andwill be explained later. Each of the switch circuits is represented byupward-sloping hatch lines in the figure. As regards intervals between asealing member SL and the corner portion C31 in the second direction Y,an interval W61 including an area where the switch unit 61 is disposedis larger than an interval W62 including an area where the switch unit62 is disposed. For this reason, the switch unit 61 is suitable forarrangement of the switch circuits in the second direction Y.

For example, the common electrode CE1 corresponds to the first commonelectrode, the common electrode CE2 corresponds to the second commonelectrode, the switch unit 61 corresponds to the first switch unit, theswitch unit 62 corresponds to the second switch unit, the switch circuit611 corresponds to the first switch circuit, the switch circuit 612corresponds to the second switch circuit, the switch circuit 621corresponds to the third switch circuit, and the switch circuit 622corresponds to the fourth switch circuit.

Portions represented by the downward-sloping hatch lines in the figurecorrespond to the selector circuits 51. The video lines V are connectedto the selector circuits 51, respectively. The selector circuits 51 andthe video lines V do not overlap the common electrodes. In other words,the common electrodes CE0 to CE3 extend to not only the display area DA,but also the peripheral area SA, but do not extend to the side closer tothe sealing member SL than to the position overlapping the selectorcircuit 51 disposed in the peripheral area SA. For this reason, thecommon electrodes CE0 to CE3 do not overlap the video line V located onthe side closer to the sealing member SL than to the selector circuit51, and suppress undesired capacitance formation between the video lineV and the common electrodes.

In the example illustrated, the switch units 60 and 61 do not intersectany video lines V. The switch unit 62 intersects the video line V. Forexample, when attention is focused on the selector circuit adjacent tothe common electrode CE2, the selector circuit 51A is located betweenthe switch unit 61 and the common electrode CE2. A video line VAconnected to the selector circuit 51A is located between the switchunits 61 and 62. A selector circuit 51B is located between the switchunit 62 and the common electrode CE2. A video line VB connected to theselector circuit 51B is located between the switch circuits 621 and 622of the switch unit 62.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch unit 61.For example, the switch unit 61 comprises switch circuits 611 to 614.The switch circuits 611 to 614 are arranged in the second direction Y.Since the switch circuits 611 to 614 have substantially the sameconfiguration, the switch circuit 611 will be particularly explained inmore detail.

The switch circuit 611 comprises the switches SW1 and SW2. The switchesSW1 and SW2 are arranged in the second direction Y. In the presentspecification, a switch supplying the first drive signal to the commonelectrode is called a first switch, and a switch supplying the seconddrive signal to the common electrode is called a second switch. In FIG.6 , the switch SW1 corresponds to the first switch and the switch SW2corresponds to the second switch. An end of the switch SW1 is connectedto an end of the switch SW2 and also connected to the common electrodeCE1. The other end of the switch SW1 is connected to a first drivesignal line VCOMDC to which the first drive signal is supplied. Theother end of the switch SW2 is connected to a second drive signal lineTSVCOM to which the second drive signal is supplied. The switches SW1and SW2 are controlled by select signals supplied from select signallines (not shown). For example, if the switch SW1 becomes conductive andthe switch SW2 becomes nonconductive, based on the first select signal,the first drive signal is supplied to the common electrode CE1. If theswitch SW2 becomes conductive and the switch SW1 becomes nonconductive,based on the second select signal, the second drive signal is suppliedto the common electrode CE1. In the present specification, the firstswitch and the second switch are paired, and a circuit supplying thefirst drive signal and the second drive signal to the common electrodeis called a switch circuit.

A unit composed of switch circuits is called a switch unit, and thenumber of the switch circuits in the switch unit 61 is not limited tofour in the example illustrated. In addition, the layout of the switchcircuits in the switch unit 61 is not limited to the exampleillustrated. The signal lines S which overlap the common electrode CE1are connected to the selector circuits 51. The video lines V connectedto the respective selector circuits 51 are provided in the surroundingof the switch unit 61 without being located between the switch circuitsof the switch unit 61.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch unit 62.For example, the switch unit 62 comprises switch circuits 621 to 624.The switch circuits 621 to 624 are arranged in the first direction X.Since the switch circuits 621 to 624 have substantially the sameconfiguration, the switch circuit 621 will be particularly explained inmore detail.

The switch circuit 621 comprises switches SW3 and SW4. The switches SW3and SW4 are arranged in the second direction Y. For example, the switchSW3 corresponds to the first switch and the switch SW4 corresponds tothe second switch. An end of the switch SW3 is connected to an end ofthe switch SW4 and also connected to the common electrode CE2. The otherend of the switch SW3 is connected to the first drive signal lineVCOMDC. The other end of the switch SW4 is connected to the second drivesignal line TSVCOM. The switches SW3 and SW4 are controlled by selectsignals supplied from select signal lines (not shown). An operation ofthe switch circuit 621 is the same as the operation of the switchcircuit 611 explained with reference to FIG. 6 .

The signal lines S which overlap the common electrode CE2 are connectedto the selector circuit 51B. A video line VB connected to the selectorcircuit 51B is located between the adjacent switch circuits of theswitch unit 62.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a switch circuit.The switch circuit 611 will be explained as an example, but the sameconfiguration can also be employed in the other switch circuits. Theswitch SW1 comprises parallel-connected first to third transistors TR1to TR3. The switch SW2 comprises parallel-connected fourth to sixthtransistors TR4 to TR6. The first to sixth transistors TR1 to TR6 arearranged in the second direction Y.

An input terminal of each of the first to third transistors TR1 to TR3is connected to the first drive signal line VCOMDC. An output terminalof each of the first to third transistors TR1 to TR3 is connected to thecommon electrode CE1. An input terminal of each of the fourth to sixthtransistors TR4 to TR6 is connected to the second drive signal lineTSVCOM. An output terminal of each of the fourth to sixth transistorsTR4 to TR6 is connected to the common electrode CE1.

Thus, the members at positions close to the corner portion C31 aresubjected to restriction in layout in the display device in which thecorner portion C31 is the round portion, but narrowing the frame of thedisplay device DSP can be implemented by effectively using the space ofthe peripheral area SA. For example, at the position close to the cornerportion C31, the switch unit for selectively supplying the first drivesignal and the second drive signal to the common electrode CE is oftensubjected to the restriction in layout that the switch unit cannot bedisposed at the position close to the common electrode and cannot helpbeing disposed so as to be arranged with the adjacent common electrodeCE. As explained with reference to FIG. 5 , for example, the switch unit61 connected to the common electrode CE1, and the common electrode CE2are arranged in the second direction Y. The switch unit 61 comprises theswitch circuits 611, 612, ... and the switch circuits 611, 612, ... arearranged in the second direction Y. For this reason, the width of theswitch unit 61 in the first direction X is smaller than that in a casewhere the switch circuits 611, 612, ... are arranged in the firstdirection X. The switch unit 61 is disposed in a space wide in thesecond direction Y as formed by the corner portion C31. Therefore, thespace of the peripheral area SA can be used effectively and narrowingthe frame can be implemented.

FIG. 9 is a plan view for explanation of the common electrodes at thepositions close to the corner C31 and their peripheral structure.

The common electrodes CE0, CE1, and CE2 include extending portions EA0,EA1, and EA2 extending to the peripheral area SA, respectively. Asexplained above, the common electrodes CE0, CE1, and CE2 do not overlapthe selector circuit 51, but edges of the extending portions EA0, EA1,and EA2 are formed in a step shape in which portions extending in thefirst direction X and portions extending in the second direction Yrepeat alternately.

Explanation will be focused on a relationship between the extendingportion EA1 and the selector circuits 51C and 51D. For example, theselector circuit 51C corresponds to the first selector circuit, and theselector circuit 51D corresponds to the second selector circuit. Theselector circuit 51C is closer to the display area DA than to theselector circuit 51D. The extending portion EA1 is located between thedisplay portion DA and the selector circuits 51C and 51D. An edge EEA ofthe extending portion EA1 is formed in a step shape along the selectorcircuits 51C and 51D.

First conductive layers CL11 to CL13 are located between the commonelectrodes CE0, CE1, and CE2 and the sealing member SL. The firstconductive layers CL11 to CL13 are supplied with a fixed potential, forexample, the first drive signal. In other words, the first conductivelayers CL11 to CL13 are electrically connected to the first drive signalline VCOMDC explained with reference to FIG. 6 and the like. The firstconductive layers CL11 to CL13 may be supplied with the other fixedpotentials, for example, a low potential voltage VGL, a high potentialvoltage VGH, and the like.

The first conductive layers CL11 to CL13 can be located in the samelayer as, for example, the pixel electrodes PE explained with referenceto FIG. 3 and can be formed of the same material as the pixel electrodesPE. The first conductive layers CL11 to CL13 are located in a layerdifferent from the common electrodes CE. In the example illustrated, thefirst conductive layers CL11 to CL13 are remote from the commonelectrodes CE in planar view but may overlap the common electrodes CE.However, the first conductive layers CL11 to CL13 are often suppliedwith an electric potential different from that supplied to the commonelectrodes CE and, if the first conductive layers overlap the commonelectrodes, the overlapping area should preferably be as small aspossible from the viewpoint of suppressing undesired capacitanceformation.

The first conductive layers CL11 to CL13 overlap the selector circuits51. For example, if explanation is focused on the first conductive layerCL12, the first conductive layer CL12 overlaps the selector circuits 51Cand 51D. The first conductive layers CL suppress field leakage from theselector circuits and the other lines located in the lower layers.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing area P1 shown in FIG. 9 .Explanation is focused on a positional relationship between the firstconductive layers CL12 and CL13 and the extending portion EA1 of thecommon electrode CE1. The extending portion EA1 is located between thefirst conductive layers CL12 and CL13. The extending portion EA1 and thefirst conductive layers CL12 and CL13 intersect various lines extendingin the first direction X. The first conductive layers CL12 and CL13comprise overlap portions OL which overlap the extending portion EA1 inplanar view, in areas intersecting a line group WG1, and non-overlapportions NOL which are remote from the extending portion EA1 in planarview, in areas intersecting a line group WG2. The line group WG2includes various lines W11 such as lines supplied with the low potentialvoltage VGL, the video lines V and the signal lines S supplied with thevideo signals, and the scanning lines G supplied with the scanningsignals. The line group WG1 includes various lines W12 supplied withsignals different from those supplied to the lines included in the linegroup WG2. The common electrode CE1 has a width WW1 at a portionoverlapping the line W11 and a width WW2 at a portion overlapping theline W12, at the extending portion EA1. The width WW2 is smaller thanthe width WW1. Since the first conductive layers CL12 and CL13 and thecommon electrode CE1 do not overlap in the area intersecting the linegroup WG2 including the line W12, undesired capacitance formation can besuppressed. In addition, since the first conductive layers CL12 and CL13and the common electrode CE1 overlap in the area intersecting the linegroup WG1, field leakage from the line group WG1 can be suppressed.

The example will be explained again with reference to FIG. 9 . Thesecond conductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3 aredisposed at positions different from the first conductive layers CL11 toCL13 in the peripheral area SA. In the example illustrated, the secondconductive layer CL2 is located between the first conductive layer CL11and the sealing member SL. The third conductive layer CL3 is locatedbetween the second conductive layer CL2 and the sealing member SL, andpartially overlaps the sealing member SL. The electric potentials of thesecond conductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3 aredifferent from the electric potential of the first conductive layerCL11. The second conductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3are supplied with a fixed potential, for example, the low potentialvoltage VGL. The field leakage from various lines located in the layerslower than the second conductive layer CL2 and the third conductivelayer CL3 can be thereby suppressed in the peripheral area SA.

The second conductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3 canbe located in the same layer as, for example, the pixel electrodes PEexplained with reference to FIG. 3 and can be formed of the samematerial as the pixel electrodes PE. In other words, the firstconductive layer CL11, the second conductive layer CL2, and the thirdconductive layer CL3 are located in the same layer and located in thelayer different from the common electrodes CE. The second conductivelayer CL2 is remote from the first conductive layer CL11. For example,if the second conductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3are supplied with the low potential voltage VGL, impurities of cationscontained in the liquid crystal layer LC can be collected in theperipheral area SA since the electric potentials of the secondconductive layer CL2 and the third conductive layer CL3 are lower thanthe electric potential of the first conductive layer CL11.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing area P2 shown in FIG. 9 .Explanation will be focused on a positional relationship between thefirst conductive layer CL11 and the second conductive layer CL2. Asexplained above, the first conductive layer CL11 and the secondconductive layer CL2 are remote from each other since the conductivelayers may have different electric potentials. A shield electrode SE isdisposed in a gap GP between the first conductive layer CL11 and thesecond conductive layer CL2. The shield electrode SE partially overlapsthe first conductive layer CL11 and is electrically connected to thefirst conductive layer CL11 via a contact hole CH.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing first substrate SUB1 seenalong line A-B in FIG. 11 . The first conductive layer CL11, the secondconductive layer CL2, and the third conductive layer CL3 are located onthe second insulating layer 12, and located in the same layer as thepixel electrodes PE explained with reference to FIG. 3 . The shieldelectrode SE is located between the first insulating layer 11 and thesecond insulating layer 12, and is located in the same layer as thecommon electrodes CE explained with reference to FIG. 3 . For thisreason, the shield electrode SE can be formed of the same material asthe common electrodes CE. The first conductive layer CL11 is connectedto the shield electrode SE via the contact hole CH penetrating thesecond insulating layer 12. The field leakage from various lines canalso be thereby suppressed in the gap GP between than the firstconductive layer CL11 and the second conductive layer CL2.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing area P3 shown in FIG. 9 . Theextending portion EA1 is partially enlarged in the figure. The extendingportion EA1 is electrically connected to the metal layer ML. The metallayer ML is formed in, for example, a grating shape including portionsMLX extending in the first direction X and portions MLY extending in thesecond direction Y. For example, the metal layer ML is in direct contactwith the extending portion EA1. An insulating layer may be intervenedbetween the metal layer ML and the extending portion EA1, and the metallayer ML and the extending portion EA1 may be in contact with each othervia a contact hole penetrating the insulating layer. This metal layer MLselectively supplies the first drive signal and the second drive signalto the common electrode CE1 which is connected to the switch unit 61shown in FIG. 9 and which includes the extending portion EA1. For thisreason, even if the common electrode CE1 and the switch unit 61 aredisposed remote from each other as shown in FIG. 9 , a desired signalcan be supplied to the common electrode CE1.

In addition, as clarified with reference to FIG. 9 , the commonelectrode CE0 and the switch unit 60 are disposed more remote from eachother than the common electrode CE1 and the switch unit 61 are. Theextending portion EA0 of the common electrode CE0 is electricallyconnected to the metal layer ML similarly to the extending portion EA1shown in FIG. 13 , and a desired signal can be supplied from the switchunit 60 to the common electrode CE0.

Next, a layout of the switch circuit 611 shown in FIG. 8 is shown inFIG. 14 . The switch circuit 611 comprises the switches SW1 and SW2. Theswitches SW1 and SW2 are arranged in the second direction Y similarly toFIG. 8 . The switch SW1 includes the first transistor TR1, the secondtransistor TR2, and the third transistor TR3. The switch SW2 includesthe fourth transistor TR4, the fifth transistor TR5, and the sixthtransistor TR6.

The switch SW1 includes a semiconductor layer 710 having anapproximately rectangular shape, and longer sides of the semiconductorlayer 710 extend in the first direction X. The semiconductor layer 710is formed sequentially from the first transistor TR1 to the thirdtransistor TR3 in the second direction Y. Similarly, the switch SW2 alsoincludes a semiconductor layer 710 having an approximately rectangularshape. Each of the first transistor TR1 to sixth transistor TR6 includesa gate electrode 720, a drain electrode 730, and a source electrode 740.The gate electrode 720, the drain electrode 730, and the sourceelectrode 740 extend in the first direction X and are arranged in thesecond direction Y.

The drain electrode 730 of the first transistor TR1 is connected to thefirst drive signal line VCOMDC, and is electrically connected to a drainarea of the semiconductor layer 710 via contact holes 760. The gateelectrode 720 is formed in parallel with the drain electrode 730 of thefirst transistor TR1. The gate electrode 720 is connected to a firstselect signal line 722. The first transistor TR1 and the secondtransistor TR2 include a common source electrode 740. The sourceelectrode 740 is electrically connected to a source area of thesemiconductor layer 710 through the contact holes 760 and iselectrically connected to an output signal line 742 through contactholes 770. The output signal line 742 is connected to the commonelectrode CE1 as shown in FIG. 8 . The second transistor TR2 and thethird transistor TR3 of the switch SW1 include a common drain electrode730. The source electrode 740 of the third transistor TR3 iselectrically connected to the output signal line 742 through the contactholes 770. The outer shape of the source electrode 740 overlaps theouter shape of the output signal line 742 and, in FIG. 14 , the sourceelectrode 740 and the output signal line 742 have the same outer shapeto simplify the figure.

The source electrode 740 of the third transistor TR3 is electricallyconnected to the output signal line 742 through the contact holes 770,and the contact holes 770 are also formed between the switches SW1 andSW2 to make electric connection between the source electrode 740 and theoutput signal line 742. In addition, the switch SW2 is formed to haveline symmetry with the switch SW1 with respect to the contact holes 770.

The fourth transistor TR4 and the fifth transistor TR5 of the switch SW2include a common drain electrode 730. The drain electrode 730 of thefourth transistor TR4 and the fifth transistor TR5 is connected to thesecond drive signal line TSVCOM and is supplied with the second drivesignal. The fifth transistor TR5 and the sixth transistor TR6 include acommon source electrode 740. The source electrode 740 of the fifthtransistor TR5 and the sixth transistor TR6 is connected to the outputsignal line 742 through the contact holes 770. The drain electrode 730of the sixth transistor TR6 is connected to the second drive signal lineTSVCOM and is supplied with the second drive signal.

In each of the switches SW1 and SW2, three transistors are arranged inthe second direction Y, but the source electrodes 740 or the drainelectrodes 730 of the adjacent transistors are commonly formed toattempt reduction in the formation area in the second direction Y.Furthermore, the contact holes 770 are formed between the switches SW1and SW2, and the contact holes 770 are not formed at the sourceelectrodes 740 of the transistors TR3 and TR4, to attempt reduction insize of the source electrodes 740 in the second direction Y. If thecontact holes 770 are formed to overlap the source electrodes 740, thewidth of the source electrode 740 is increased in the second direction Ysince the outer shape of the contact holes 770 is larger than the outershape of the contact holes 760, but the width of the source electrodes740 of the third transistor TR3 and the fourth transistor TR4 in thesecond direction can be narrowed as compared with a case where thecontact holes 770 overlap the source electrode 740, by providing thecontact holes 770 between the switches SW1 and SW2.

Furthermore, by forming the switches SW1 and SW2 to have line symmetry,the source electrodes 740 of the third transistor TR3 and the fourthtransistor TR4 can be formed to be closer to one another and the contactholes 770 can be formed between the switches SW1 and SW2.

Next, a modified example of the switch unit 61 shown in FIG. 6 will beexplained with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 . In FIG. 15 , in aswitch unit 61B, first switches SW11 and SW12 outputting the first drivesignals are formed to be adjacent to each other in the second directionY, and second switches SW21 and SW22 outputting the second drive signalsare formed to be adjacent to each other in the second direction Y.Output terminals of the switches are commonly connected to an outputsignal line 842, and the output signal line 842 is connected to thecommon electrode CE1.

In the switch unit 61B shown in FIG. 15 , the first switch and thesecond switch are not paired to form a switch circuit, unlike the switchunit 61 shown in FIG. 6 . In the switch unit 61B, a pair of a firstswitch group and a second switch group composed of transistors on pluralstages form the switch unit. Therefore, in the switch unit 61B, theswitch circuits do not constitute the switch unit but, for convenience,the paired first switch group and second switch group are also calledthe switch unit.

In FIG. 15 , an imaginary line 633 representing an upper end (where thedisplay area DA side is called an upper side in the figure) of theselector circuit 51B shown in FIG. 5 is drawn to explain a positionalrelationship between the switch units. A lower edge of the selectorcircuit 51A is formed to be closer to the display area DA side than tothe upper end of the selector circuit 51B represented by the imaginaryline 633. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5 , the lower end of thecommon electrode CE2 is located more closely to the display area DA sidethan to the lower end of the common electrode CE3 and, in accordancewith the location, the space to form the switch units 61 and 61B isexpanded in the second direction Y. Therefore, the width of the switchunits 61 and 61B in the second direction Y can be expanded, the switchcircuits can be arranged in four stages in the switch unit 61, and thefirst switches can be arranged in two stages and the second switches canbe arranged at two stages in the switch unit 61B.

Next, a circuit diagram of the switch unit 61B will be explained withreference to FIG. 16 . In the switch unit 61B, the first switchesoutputting the first drive signals are formed to overlap at two stagesin the second direction Y, and the second switches outputting the seconddrive signals are formed to overlap at two stages in the seconddirection Y.

The switch SW11 comprises a first transistor TR11, a second transistorTR12, a third transistor TR13, and a fourth transistor TR14, which areparallel-connected. The configuration inside the switch SW12 will not beexplained but the configuration of the switch SW12 is the same as thatof the switch SW11. The switch SW21 comprises a fifth transistor TR21, asixth transistor TR22, a seventh transistor TR23, and an eighthtransistor TR24, which are parallel-connected. The configuration insidethe switch SW22 will not be explained but the configuration of theswitch SW22 is the same as that of the switch SW21.

An input terminal of each of the first to fourth transistors TR11 toTR14 is connected to the first drive signal line VCOMDC, and an outputterminal of each of the transistors is connected to the common electrodeCE1 via an output signal line 842. To form the transistors at fourstages, input terminals of the second transistor TR12 and the thirdtransistor TR13 are commonly connected to the first drive signal lineVCOMDC, output terminals of the first transistor TR11 and the secondtransistor TR12 are commonly connected to the output signal line 842,and output terminals of the third transistor TR13 and the fourthtransistor TR14 are commonly connected to the output signal line 842.

In addition, an input terminal of each of the fifth to eighthtransistors TR21 to TR24 is connected to the second drive signal lineTSVCOM, and an output terminal of each of the transistors is connectedto the common electrode CE1 via the output signal line 842.

To form the transistors at four stages, input terminals of the sixthtransistor TR22 and the seventh transistor TR23 are commonly connectedto the second drive signal line TSVCOM, output terminals of the fifthtransistor TR21 and the sixth transistor TR22 are commonly connected tothe output signal line 842, and output terminals of the seventhtransistor TR23 and the eighth transistor TR24 are commonly connected tothe output signal line 842.

A control terminal of each of the first to fourth transistors TR11 toTR14 is connected to the first select signal line 722, and a controlterminal of each of the fifth to eighth transistors TR21 to TR24 isconnected to the second select signal line 724. Therefore, each of thefirst to fourth transistors TR11 to TR14 is controlled to be turned onand off by the first select signal line 722, and outputs the first drivesignal to the common electrode CE1, in the on state. In addition, eachof the fifth to eighth transistors TR21 to TR24 is controlled to beturned on and off by the second select signal line 724, and outputs thesecond drive signal to the common electrode CE1, in the on state.

Next, a schematic layout of the switch unit 61B will be explained withreference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged viewshowing the switch SW11 shown in FIG. 17 . In FIG. 17 , the switch SW11,the switch SW12, the switch SW21, and the switch SW22 are arranged inthe second direction Y, the first to fourth transistors TR11 to TR14forming the switches SW11 and SW12 are arranged in the second directionY, and the fifth to eighth transistors TR21 to TR24 forming the switchesSW21 and SW22 are arranged in the second direction Y.

Each transistor is formed to extend in the first direction X, anapproximately rectangular semiconductor layer 810 extending in the firstdirection X is formed commonly to the transistors, and the output signalline 842 connected commonly to the transistors is formed in closevicinity to centers of the transistors in the first direction X so as toextend in the second direction Y.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing a part near an upper left part ofswitch SW11 shown in FIG. 17 . FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view seenalong line A-A in FIG. 18 . FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view seen alongline B-B in FIG. 18 .

The switch SW11 includes the approximately rectangular semiconductorlayer 810 commonly to the transistors TR11, TR12, TR13, and TR14, andlonger sides of the semiconductor layer 810 extend in the firstdirection X. In addition, the semiconductor layer 810 is formedsequentially from the first transistor TR11 to the fourth transistorTR14 in the second direction Y. A drain electrode 830 of the firsttransistor TR11 is connected to the first drive signal line VCOMDC, andis electrically connected to a drain area 834 of the semiconductor layer810 via contact holes 860. A gate electrode 820 is formed in parallelwith the drain electrode 830 of the first transistor TR11, and the gateelectrode 820 is connected to the first select signal line 722. A sourceelectrode 840 is common to the transistors TR11, TR12, TR13, and TR14,and the source electrode 840 is electrically connected to a source area844 of the semiconductor layer 810 through the contact holes 860 and iselectrically connected to an output signal line 842 through contactholes 870. The output signal line 842 is connected to the commonelectrode CE1 as shown in FIG. 15 .

The drain electrode 830 is common to the second transistor TR12 and thethird transistor TR13 of the switch SW11, and the first drive signalline VCOMDC is connected to the drain electrode 830. The sourceelectrode 840 of the first transistor TR11 and the second transistorTR12 is common, and is connected to the output signal line 842 throughthe contact holes 870. The source electrode 840 of the third transistorTR13 and the fourth transistor TR14 is common, and is connected to theoutput signal line 842 through the contact holes 870. The outer shape ofthe source electrode 840 overlaps the outer shape of the output signalline 842 and, in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , the source electrode 740 and theoutput signal line 742 have the same outer shape to simplify the figure.

In the switch SW11, four transistors are arranged in the seconddirection Y, but the source electrodes 840 or the drain electrodes 830of the adjacent transistors are commonly formed to attempt reduction inthe formation area in the second direction Y.

The switch SW12 and the switch SW11 have the same configuration, and theswitches SW21 and SW22 have the same configuration. The switch SW21 andthe switch SW 11 have the same configuration except the switch SW11 isconnected to the second select signal line 724, and the second drivesignal line TSVCOM.

As shown in the schematically cross-sectional views of FIG. 19 and FIG.20 , the transistors TR11 to TR12 forming the switch SW are formed onthe first base 10. The configuration of the transistor formed from thefirst substrate 10 to the first insulating layer 11 in thecross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 19and FIG. 20 .

A base layer 111 is formed on the first base 10 of a glass substrate ora resin substrate, and the semiconductor layer 810 is formed on a baselayer 120. A channel area 814, a drain area 834, and a source area 844are formed in the semiconductor layer 810. A gate insulating film 113 isformed on the semiconductor layer 810. A gate electrode 820 is formed onthe gate insulating film 113. An insulating film 473 is formed on thegate insulating film 113 and the gate electrode 820. Contact holes 860are formed in the insulating film 473. The drain electrode 830 and thedrain area 834 are connected through a certain contact hole 860. Inaddition, the source electrode 840 and the source area 844 are connectedthrough the other contact hole 860. An insulating film 475 is formed onthe drain electrode 830 and the source electrode 840. A contact hole 870is formed in the insulating film 475. The source electrode 840 and theoutput signal line 842 are connected through the contact hole 870.

The base layer 111 and the gate insulating film 113 are often formed ofan inorganic insulating film such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride,but can also be formed of an organic insulating film. The insulatingfilms 473 and 475 are often formed of an organic insulating film but canalso be formed of an inorganic insulating film.

The output signal line 842 can be formed commonly to the transistors, byforming the output signal line 842 in a layer different from the layerof the drain electrodes 830 and the source electrodes 840 via theinsulating film 475. In addition, reduction of the formation area in thesecond direction Y can be attempted by sharing the drain area 834 andthe source area 844 by the adjacent transistors.

According to the embodiments, as described above, the display devicecapable of narrowing the frame can be provided.

Various types of the modified examples are easily conceivable within thecategory of the ideas of the present invention by a person of ordinaryskill in the art and the modified examples are also considered to fallwithin the scope of the present invention. For example, additions,deletions or changes in design of the constituent elements or additions,omissions, or changes in condition of the processes arbitrarilyconducted by a person of ordinary skill in the art, in the aboveembodiments, fall within the scope of the present invention as long asthey are in keeping with the spirit of the present invention. Inaddition, the other advantages of the aspects described in theembodiments, which are obvious from the descriptions of the presentspecification or which can be arbitrarily conceived by a person ofordinary skill in the art, are considered to be achievable by thepresent invention as a matter of course.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A display device comprising: a base; pixels arrayedin a display area; a scanning line driver; and a conductive layerprovided outside the display area, wherein the display area includes acorner edge, a part of the scanning line driver is provided along thecorner edge of the display area, the conductive layer is providedbetween the part of the scanning line driver and the corner edge of thedisplay area, the conductive layer includes a first edge that is a sideof the corner edge of the display area, the conductive layer includes asecond edge that is a side of the part of the scanning line driver, thefirst edge includes a step shaped pattern along the corner edge of thedisplay area, and the second edge includes a step shaped pattern alongthe part of the scanning line driver.
 22. The display device of claim21, wherein the step shaped pattern of the first edge is a differentfrom the step shaped pattern of the second edge.
 23. The display deviceof claim 22, further comprising: video signal lines arrayed in a firstdirection; and scanning lines arrayed in a second direction intersectingthe first direction in the display area, wherein the display areaincludes a third edge along the first direction and a fourth edge alongthe second direction, the corner edge is between the third edge and thefourth edge, and a width of the conductive layer along the corner edgegradually increases from the fourth edge toward the third edge.
 24. Thedisplay device of claim 23, wherein the width of the conductive layer isa width between the first edge and the second edge in the firstdirection.
 25. The display device of claim 21, further comprising: analignment film that covers the base, wherein the conductive layer is incontact with the alignment film.
 26. The display device of claim 25,wherein the conductive layer is supplied with a fixed potential.
 27. Thedisplay device of claim 26, wherein the fixed potential is VCOMDC. 28.The display device of claim 26, wherein the fixed potential is a VGL ora VGH.
 29. The display device of claim 25, further comprising: a commonelectrode provided between the base and the alignment film in thedisplay area, wherein the conductive layer is separated from the commonelectrode in plan view.
 30. The display device of claim 29, wherein thecommon electrode includes a fifth edge, the fifth edge of the commonelectrode faces the first edge of the conductive layer at the corneredge of the display area, and the fifth edge includes a step shapedpattern.
 31. The display device of claim 30, wherein the step shapedpattern of the fifth edge is similar to the step shaped pattern of thefirst edge.